“As I and other justices have previously pointed out, individuals who are executed are not the ‘worst of the worst,’ but, rather, are individuals chosen at random, on the basis, perhaps of geography, perhaps of the views of individual prosecutors, or still worse on the basis of race.”
How Trump is paving the way for a revival of the ‘religious left’
By Jack Jenkins, Washington Post
Progressive, faith-rooted advocacy organizations, such as Faith in Public Life, Auburn Seminary and Sojourners, have all reported surges in donations and interest in activism since November, and are now organizing to counter any number of Trump’s policy proposals.
Trump Is Bringing Progressive Protestants Back to Church
By Emma Green, The Atlantic
In the wake of Donald Trump’s election, some conservative Christians have been reckoning with feelings of alienation from their peers, who generally voted for Trump in strong numbers. But at least some progressive Protestant churches are experiencing the opposite effect: People have been returning to the pews.
Trump advisers: The faith factor
By Emily McFarlan Miller and Kimberly Winston, Religion News Service
After a campaign in which President-elect Donald Trump was accused of trafficking in bigotry and hatred, and of changing his views to win the conservative religious vote, he is choosing Cabinet members who have made controversial statements on religious and ethical issues.
Outgoing attorney general urges American Muslims to have faith
By Abigail Hauslohner, Washington Post
Outgoing Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch on Monday urged Americans, and specifically American Muslims, to have faith and to “persevere” in the face of “challenges in the years ahead” — even as they grapple with the highest rate of hate crimes since Sept. 11, 2001, and growing concerns about the country’s new politics.
Despite Trumpism, I’m not quitting evangelicalism
By Richard Mouw, Religion News Service
Some of my friends have been talking about giving up the “evangelical” label because of what it has come to be associated with in this year’s political campaign. I’m not ready to make that move. I spent a good part of the 1960s trying hard not to be an evangelical, but without success.
Why Many African Americans Don’t Want Dylann Roof Executed
By Goldie Taylor, The Daily Beast
A recent poll found that 65 percent of African Americans in South Carolina want Roof’s life to be spared. By comparison, nearly the same number of white people in the state believe he should be executed for his crimes.
Pastors tell Muslims: We will ‘stand with you’
By Harry Bruinius and Josh Kenworthy, Christian Science Monitor
ndividually, the actions are notes of grace. Taken together they speak to a broad determination by many Americans to make Muslims feel supported and welcome at a difficult moment.
Trump’s secretary of state pick may anger social conservatives
By David Gibson, Religion News Service
Tillerson, whose nomination was announced Tuesday (Dec. 13), may also face criticism from an unexpected quarter — social conservatives whose support was critical to Trump’s unexpected election last month.
Jews at top of class in first-ever global study of religion and education
By Lauren Markoe, Religion News Service
Jews are more highly educated than any other religious group, while Hindus and Muslims are the least educated, the first-ever global study of religion and education shows.
Krista Tippett Thinks We Can’t Change One Another’s Minds
Interview by Ana Marie Cox, New York Times
People say to never discuss religion or politics with others in public, but do you think that we should be talking about these topics more openly now?
Deep Dive of the Week
Trump’s election voted No. 1 religion story of 2016
By Religion News Association
Support of Donald Trump from white evangelical Christians in his surprise election as president of the United States was voted the No. 1 story of 2016 in the Religion News Association’s annual Top 10 Religion Stories of the Year Poll.
